25 Things you can do for cleaner air
25 Things you can do for cleaner air
Drive Less: In South Carolina, about half of all man-made air pollution comes from mobile sources like cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles. Fewer trips will reduce air pollution.
  1. Carpool.
  2. Walk or ride a bike.
  3. Shop by phone, mail or the Internet.
  4. Ride public transit where available.
  5. Telecommute.

Drive Smart: How you drive your car can help reduce the pollution it creates.

  1. Accelerate gradually.
  2. Use cruise control on the highway.
  3. Combine your errands into one trip, "trip-chain."
  4. Obey the speed limit.
  5. Keep your car properly tuned.
  6. Don't top off your gas tank.
  7. Replace your car's air filter.
  8. Keep your tires properly inflated.
  9. When shopping for your next car, look for the most efficient, lowest polluting model.

Choose Air-Friendly Products: Many products in your home, yard, or office are made of chemicals that escape into the air when you use them. To reduce this type of pollution:

  1. Select water-based products or those that have low volatile organic compound (VOC) content.
  2. Use water-based paints or those labeled zero VOC.
  3. Paint with a brush instead of a sprayer.
  4. Store solvents like paint thinners in airtight containers.
  5. Use a reel or electric mower and other non-gas powered equipment, such as edgers.

Save Energy: Saving energy helps reduce air pollution. Power plants burn fossil fuels like coal and oil to produce electricity. When these fossil fuels are burned, pollution is created.

  1. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
  2. Use a fan instead of air conditioning.
  3. Microwave small meals.
  4. Properly insulate your home.
  5. Insulate your water heater.
  6. Check with your utility company for more energy conservation tips.

This fact sheet is intended as a summary of the modeling requirements, and is not all-inclusive. To obtain additional information regarding air modeling, you may contact the BAQ at (803) 898-4123, browse our Internet site at http://www.scdhec.gov/baq/, or write to the following address:

Bureau of Air Quality
S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, S.C. 29201